Rockin' Robin (song)
"Rockin' Robin" is a song written by Leon René under the pseudonym Jimmie Thomas, and recorded by American singer Bobby Day in 1958. It was Day's biggest hit single, becoming a number two hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and spent one week at the top of the R&B sales chart. Michael Jackson recorded his own version of the song in 1972, which also achieved success.
Personnel
- Bobby Day – vocals
- Plas Johnson – piccolo
- Earl Palmer – drums
- Barney Kessel – guitar
Copyright status
"Rockin' Robin" is in the public domain, as the owners never renewed the copyright.Michael Jackson version
In 1972, Michael Jackson released a cover of "Rockin' Robin". It was the second single from his debut solo album Got to Be There, after the title track. It was the most successful single from the album, hitting number one on the Cash Box singles chart, and peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, behind "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack. It also peaked at number two Billboard soul singles chart, behind "In the Rain" by the Dramatics.Record World said that "little Michael rocks in with a revival of the big Bobby Day hit of the rockin' 1950s".
Track listing
- A. "Rockin' Robin" – 2:30
- B. "Love Is Here and Now You're Gone" – 2:51